Accommodations & Technology

Leveling the Field: Student Accommodations

A disability can make university challenging in ways many may not consider. At Cape Breton University, we never want a disability to stand in the way of learning. We want our students to achieve success. 

If you are a student with a disability, we help you find ways of achieving the same academic outcomes as your peers through accommodations appropriate to your disability. 

How We Can Help

Our friendly staff at CBU’s Jennifer Keeping Centre coordinate a wide range of services and accommodations that will make for a more equitable academic experience. 

Class Accommodations

Note-takers:  If you have a disability that makes it difficult to take notes, note-takers can help. 

Alternate format texts and assignments: Need large print texts or printed overheads? We can format textbooks to be used by Kurzweil, a speech-to-text software popular with people who have a disability that affects their reading. 

Recording: Recording can be used in class if it is part of needed accommodations and JKC Audio Recording Agreement is signed.  

Preferential seating: We can arrange to seat you up front if it helps you see the board or screen better or for other reasons that relate to your disability. Other seating arrangements can be made as well, based on your disability. 

Test and Exam Accommodations

Proctor services and alternative scheduling: Depending on your disability, we may be able to provide you with exam supervision in a quiet area separate from your regular class. We may also be able to schedule your exam at a different time.  

Alternate format tests and exams: We can have your tests and exams printed in large font or conducted orally, depending on your needs.  

Extended testing period:  If you have a disability that causes you to take longer to write tests and exams, we may be able to extend the test or exam time. 

Use of technology and other aids: If you’re a student with a disability, use of a computer might be a needed accommodation for reading or writing technology, or to display your exam with an increased font size.

Readers: If you need someone to read your test or exam to you due to your vision or a learning disability, we can arrange for that. 

Scribes: If you have a disability that makes it difficult to write or type answers for your tests or exams, we can arrange for a scribe to assist you. 

Other Accommodations

Reduced course load: If you’re a student with a disability, two courses per term is the minimum course load to maintain full-time status. This is important when applying for financial assistance. 

Canadian students with disabilities are eligible for grants through their provincial governments for the following services based on their disability. These services are a fee based and the Jennifer Keeping Centre simply helps match students with a service provider.  

Tutors: We ensure that suggested tutors are students who have performed well in that course in previous years or have completed equivalent coursework or have a degree in the subject matter. 

Learning Strategist:  Strategists meet with the student to work on study skills, time management and organizational skills. Strategists usually have a Bachelor of Education, Master’s Degree, or work experience in the field. 

Educational Attendants: Individuals who assist students in getting to and from class, take notes and assist them with attending activities on campus. 

Requesting Accommodations

To request accommodations and/or assistive technology from the Jennifer Keeping Centre, students must register using the Accommodate online portal.

Breaking Down Barriers: Assistive Technology

At Cape Breton University’s Jennifer Keeping Centre, we can help you determine the technology you need to help you with your studies. Please set up an appointment by emailing jkc@cbu.ca 

This technology includes:

Computers: The JKC has computers are equipped with assistive technology software such as text readers and speech to text.  

Scanner/Printer: Our scanner is used to digitize notes from note takers and for students to print notes or slides. Handouts may also be converted to digital text to allow for the use of screen readers. 

Alternative Format Texts: Textbooks can be purchased in digital format initially or if that is not available the Jennifer Keeping Center can apply to the publisher for a digital copy if the student purchases the physical text and provides a receipt to the JKC via Accommodate.

Canadian students with disabilities are eligible for grants through their provincial governments that may cover some of the following equipment based on their disability.  

Laptop/Computer/Tablet: This is based on the student’s need and can be used in many ways such as organization or running assistive technology. 

Software: Assistive software can be used to helps students in many areas such as text to speech, speech to text, mind mapping, note taking, or organization. (Please note that you do not need to buy Microsoft Office 365 as it is provided for all CBU students.) 

Noise Cancelling Headphones: These may be needed for students who have trouble concentrating due to their disability. 

Braille embosser: This technology allows students to emboss or print text material directly from a computer or tablet. 

Braille note taking devices: Braille note taking devices make it easier for students, who use braille, to take notes efficiently and effectively. 

Magnification: Magnification programs and equipment can assist students who need enlarged text or graphic materials.  

JAWS:  Job Access With Speech is a text-to-speech program that reads screen text aloud to the student. It requires the use of keyboard commands and is used by students who are blind or have low vision.